Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking the 20 greatest rookie seasons in NBA history

By Elaine Blum

Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports /
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18. Larry Bird

As soon as Larry Bird came to the Boston Celtics as the 6th pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, he transformed the team into a title contender. They improved by 32 wins compared to the previous year and finished the regular season on top of the Eastern Conference. Bird did it all in his first season as a pro. He put up a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in his NBA debut, and then got his first triple-double and his first 30-point game in November of that season.

Over the course of the season, Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 steals, making him a menace in all aspects of the game. He could score, create plays, and contribute on the defensive end. Thus, Bird made the first of his 12 All-Star appearances as a rookie and beat Magic Johnson in the Rookie of the Year race.

His first season in the league was quite telling as to what Bird would be able to accomplish going further. Picking up right where he left off after his impressive rookie campaign, he went on to win three NBA titles and three MVPs. He also made nine All-NBA First Teams, three All-Defensive Second Teams, and the two most recent NBA anniversary teams.